Carnival PLC - CUK STOCK NEWS

Carnival Cruise Line has unveiled details about the Carnival Venezia, set to sail year-round from New York starting June 15, 2023. The ship features Italian cuisine, distinctive staterooms, and exclusive experiences like the Terrazza staterooms with private patios. Guests can enjoy new dining concepts inspired by Italy, including enhanced offerings at familiar venues. Notably, the ship includes a Lido deck reminiscent of the Italian Riviera, complete with a retractable roof. Carnival will also introduce the Carnival Firenze in 2024, expanding its 'Carnival Fun Italian Style' theme.

Princess Cruises is introducing gift cards as a perfect last-minute holiday shopping solution, catering to nearly 80% of consumers who plan to shop late. These cards can be used for sailings to 330 destinations worldwide and for onboard purchases, enhancing convenience and value. Available in various holiday themes, both eGift and traditional gift cards offer easy purchase options, with free shipping for orders over $100. John Padgett, president of Princess Cruises, highlights the cards as a thoughtful gift for travelers.

Carnival Cruise Line announced a delay in the delivery of its new ship, Carnival Jubilee, due to supply chain issues. The first cruise is now scheduled to set sail from Galveston, Texas, on Dec. 23, 2023, instead of the original date. This has resulted in the cancellation of the initial journey from Southampton, UK, and five subsequent Caribbean sailings. Carnival's president expressed disappointment but emphasized the commitment to delivering a quality vacation experience for guests.

Princess Cruises announced the resumption of homeport sailing in Japan starting March 15, 2023, following the Japanese government's decision to allow international cruise ships. This move enhances vacation options for guests while boosting the Japanese tourism economy. The Diamond Princess will celebrate its 10th anniversary in Tokyo, offering 57 departures to 38 destinations across four countries. Travelers can enjoy Japan's rich culture, festivals, and landscapes, with exclusive MedallionClass service for personalized experiences.

Holland America Line has launched a Holiday Gift Card promotion, offering a 10% bonus gift card on purchases of $250 or more, valid from Dec. 2 to 13, 2022. This allows U.S. residents to gift future cruise travel easily. For instance, a $250 gift card comes with a $25 bonus. The bonus can be used for any cruise booking through 2024, including pre-cruise purchases and onboard spending. The promotion encourages memorable travel experiences during the holiday season, benefiting both new and loyal customers.

Cunard hosted an exclusive event in London to showcase the new cruise liner, Queen Anne, set to launch in 2024. This gathering revealed a collection of over 4,300 artworks from contemporary artists such as Pei Chi Lee and John Biggs. Attendees experienced new dining venues and the Bright Lights Society, designed for unique entertainment. Queen Anne represents Cunard's commitment to luxury travel, and its maiden season bookings will open on December 6, 2022, for members and December 7 for the public. Cunard is part of Carnival Corporation (NYSE: CUK, CCL).

Holland America Line reported record-high cruise bookings for Black Friday in the U.S., surpassing pre-pandemic levels by nearly 20%. Notably, bookings for Alaska cruises increased over 60% compared to 2019. The positive trend indicates strong consumer demand, especially for the exclusive Alaska Up Close experience. The company aims to leverage its unique offerings to further strengthen its brand in the competitive market.

Princess Cruises has enhanced its Princess Plus and Princess Premier packages by adding new premium desserts, fitness classes, and other benefits, effective from February 20. Guests will now receive premium crafted desserts, smoothies, and fitness classes, greatly increasing the value of these packages. For $60 per person per day, guests save nearly 60% off a retail value of $140. Meanwhile, the Princess Premier package offers an amenity value of up to $257 for just $80 per person per day, achieving almost 70% savings. Bookings for these packages begin after December 14.

Holland America Line's Westerdam will resume cruises to Japan, starting February 3, 2023, after a hiatus of over two years. The ship, currently sailing in Australia, will undergo drydock in Singapore before launching its Asia season. The itineraries will include destinations like Taiwan, the Philippines, Thailand, and Malaysia with cruises lasting 11 to 14 days. These voyages celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the regions. The season concludes on April 24, 2023, with a North Pacific crossing to Seattle.